The Truth About Dog Flea Treatment Alternatives

Fleas are a common nuisance to the pet and pet owner alike. Many times we tend to overlook this matter because unless your dog is allergic to flea bites, the nature of a flea infestation is not of itself a life threatening conditions, unlike many other canine concerns. However, it might surprise you to know that the wrong dog flea treatment may lead to serious ailments later on.

Even as we speak, a close-up look to your canine’s coat may show an unsavory neighborhood of fleas. Makes you think twice before playfully burying your face in his coat right? More than the element of yuck, having fleas may cause your dog to suffer when not treated right.

Many pet shops and vets may offer you a dog flea treatment to cure your pet. Make the necessary research first. A lot of these curative treatments are actually more detrimental than beneficial to the animal’s health as they contain properties that are toxic to their systems. As much as you are able, it is better to opt for the most natural dog flea treatment alternatives.

Use gentle formulas to shampoo your pet. Never use harsh chemicals that have insecticide ingredients that will harm the dog. You can use apple cider vinegar or a half-water, half-lemon mixture to spray on your dog’s coat after bathing as a homemade flea treatment – the smell is repellant to fleas.

Garlic is also one of the best ways to keep fleas at bay. A moderate serving of the pungent bulb in his meals will be good for his health as well as repulse the fleas. If you don’t like coming home to a garlicky pet, use essential oils instead. Dab a few drops behind the canine’s ears, collar, between the shoulder blades and around the tail area. Scents like lavender, lemongrass, peppermint and citronella are unpopular with the pesky visitor. As you see, there are a number of homemade flea treatment options that can actually help in keeping fleas off your pet.

While fleas are external in nature, a good diet is an essential component of taking care of this problem. A natural diet of raw and fresh ingredients is one of the best things you can do for your pet. Augment his meals with B complex vitamins, Omega 3 fatty acid supplements, and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, safflower oil or crushed seaweed.

The closer the ingredients are to its natural form, the better. You may think you are only treating fleas, but you are actually preventing long term diseases without knowing it. Fleas tend to favor animals that are not in tip top health. And once they infest your dog, your dog will become even less healthy, and more susceptible to other types of illness and disease.

Ridding your animal of fleas with natural dog flea treatment alternatives is critical to your dog’s health. The chemicals from the medicines and cures may be as harmful to the dog in the long run as the ailment itself. Chemicals, especially with prolonged use or larger dosages, will contribute to kidney and liver problems.

Knowing that your pet is healthy (and clean!) will help you enjoy your bonding moments with him all the more. Regularly check your dog’s fur to maintain your dog’s best health for years to come.

About Brigitte Smith

Brigitte Smith is an entrepreneur with a love of dogs and a healthy lifestyle.
Brigitte is passionate about holistic health alternatives for dogs, most of which are today suffering foreshortened lifespans in the wake of a lifetime diet of commercial pet food, and further contributed to by unnecessary over-vaccination and chemicals and poisons applied topically and internally.
http://HealthierDogs.com is one of Brigitte's sites dedicated to dog health, and in particular dog food reviews.